Exposed beams in a living room. While it‘s normal to see a fair bit of color in traditional living rooms, an all neutral space like this one is more than acceptable. And while a lot of frills and details are also often found in traditional rooms, they are not mandatory. This room, designed by Markalunas Architecture Group, is more demure than most traditional spaces, but still fits in thanks to the architecture, materials, and symmetrical furniture arrangements.

A large table in front of the fireplace divides the space into two conversation areas, and its yellow-and-white cotton striped skirt introduces a sunny spirit that’s essential for a room so large to feel livable. Matching sisal rugs define both sides of the room, and their Greek-key edges are banded in yellow to plant the palette underfoot.

In fact, there´s a freshness to this space thanks to the tightly upholstered furniture, iron lantern and architectural details which make it look very current.